Hello my people. I am back with another shoe classic post after a long while. I've been so busy with scalping whatever profits I can from trading signals on the binance exchange and I tell you the experience thus far has been a battle of correct timing, buying early and waiting it out (patience) for the bull to spark those green candles but anyways lemme get right into what lead me to write today.

The oxford shoe is a classic and essential footwear for men. It is a formal shoe and has been around for almost two centuries. The oxford shoe is regarded as one of the most elegant shoes a man owns.

History Of The Oxford Shoe

There is no clear evidence to show who invented the oxford shoe. There are claims that it emerged from Scotland and Ireland. Oxfords are also referred to as balmorals named after the Balmoral castle in Scotland. Other stories state oxford shoes originated from Oxford University.

King Louis XIV of France made boots that were high, tightly fitted and fastened with buttons popular during the 17th-century. This style of footwear was comfortable and featured high heels. It became a quintessential shoe for men during this period.

In 1825 students in Oxford University popularized the oxonian shoe( a half boot with narrow slots on its sides). As time elapsed, the laces replaced the slots on the sides of the shoe. Further changes took place in the oxonian shoe. The side laces were now placed on the instep of the shoe.

The height of the oxonian shoe was lowered to expose the ankle so also was the heel lowered. The refined gradually became accepted as an essential footwear for men at this period.

The name "oxford shoe" was stated by James Sparkes Hall, the inventor of the Chelsea boot in 1846 in the New Monthly Magazine. This reinforces the longevity and classic nature of the oxford shoe.

Characteristics of the Oxford shoe.

It is a shoe with laces.
It has a closed lacing system i.e the vamp (upper part of the shoe that covers the toe and instep) of the shoe is sewn on the quarters - upper part of the shoe that covers the heel and meets the vamp in the middle of the foot).
It has eyelets.
It has a low profile that exposes the ankle.
It has a low heel.
It has a sole.

Types of Oxfords

Plain Oxford

The plain oxford is mainly consists of the vamp and quarter. It does not have a leather cap over the toe box and lacks broguing( perforations made on the shoe). This style is simple but elegant. It is mainly worn for black tie a white tie events.

Cap Toe Oxford

The cap toe oxford is probably the most popular style of the oxford shoe. It is made up of the vamp, quarters, heel cap and toe cap( a piece of leather that is added across the toe box ). The cap toe oxford is mainly worn by professionals in the corporate world but can also be worn to weddings, funerals and black tie events. Black is the most formal colour.

Wingtips or Brogues

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The wingtip oxford has a pointed toe cap with extensions along both sides of the shoe called Wingtips. When viewed from above the toe cap is shaped like a 'W' or 'M' (it looks like a wing hence the name 'wingtip'). It is less formal than a cap toe and can be worn with business casual outfits.

Saddle Oxford

Saddle Oxfords lack toe caps and have an additional strip of leather that extends from the instep of the shoe down to the sole in a different colour. They may or may not have heel caps in a different colour. It is a casual shoe when compared to the plain or cap toe oxford. It can be worn for leisure activities.

Wholecut oxford

The wholecut oxford has its upper made from a single piece of leather. It generally has one seam at the heel. It may or may not have broguing. A black wholecut oxford shoe with a mirror shine can be worn to a black tie event.

Have a splendid day folks. Thanks for reading.

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The Epitome Of Classic Men's Shoe - The Oxford.